Volunteers needed to 'make a real difference' to Springwell Lock in Rickmansworth

Volunteers are needed to plant bulbs and lay hedgerows to help brighten up a Rickmansworth lock.

On Tuesday, March 18, planting will take place on the towpath by Springwell Lock, on Springwell Lane.

The Canal and River Trust are inviting residents to join in the activities between 10am and 3.30pm.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their friends along and all tools and equipment will be provided.

Debbie Vidler, volunteer co-ordinator for the trust in London, said: "The spring is approaching at last and after the recent floods and storms we want to get Springwell Lock clean and tidy and it is a great opportunity for volunteers to try their hand at hedgerow laying.

"We want to provide easy opportunities for people to turn up to with no previous experience, meet existing volunteers and learn about other opportunities to get involved. One event a year can make a dent, but regular volunteer efforts will make a real difference to the thousands of people that use and visit them each week."

The work is part of the trust’s Towpath Taskforce volunteering project, which encourages people to help protect some of London’s most important industrial heritage and wildlife habitat. Projects include painting lock gates, improving access to the towpath, clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up litter and graffiti and helping wildlife by building nest and bat boxes and planting reed beds.

For more details about the event, contact Becky Williams on 07799 436 816 or visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk